Hard Rock Challenge Kicks Off Friday

Two climbers are planning to tackle every route in the classic 1974, Ken Wilson book 'Hard Rock' in just five weeks starting this Friday 13 July, 2007.

Mark Stevenson and Rich Mayfield kick off their attempt at Cheddar Gorge this Friday and are aiming to finish the 22,000 vertical feet marathon at the Hard Rock Fest in Devon on 18-19 August.

Along the way they will also be embracing 60 climbs, 180 miles of walk-ins, four ferry crossings and over 3000 miles of driving. To put the attempt in perspective, only two climbers are known to have completed all the Hard Rock routes before and both took over ten years to do it...

In the process, Mark and Rich hope to raise no less than £30,000 for British Mountain Rescue funds. You can make a donation via their web site at www.hardrockchallenge.org.uk which will also entitle you to enter the Hard Rock Competition and win some of £1000-worth of climbing-related prizes. You can also check out some of their preparation details in the on-site blog.

The pair are being supported by a number of companies with equipment and advice including The North Face and DMM. TNF-sponsored climbers Gaz Parry, Lucinda Hughes and James Pearson will be lending their expertise throughout the expedition.

It's one hell of an undertaking, especially with the Great British summer currently doing an excellent imitation of the monsoon season and we wish Mark and Rich all the best.

Anyway, donate and follow the project at www.hardrockchallenge.org.uk where you can also find a Google Earth tour of the various routes.

If you want to be in at the end of the tour, there's more about the Hard Rock Fest in Devon at www.hardrockfest.co.uk where the after party will include an auction of kit with all proceeds going to mountain rescue.